Work in Physics

The equation for calculating work done by a constant force aligned with the direction of motion is given by $W = F \cdot d$, where $W$ is the work done, $F$ is the force, and $d$ is the distance traveled.

When a force has a component in the direction of the displacement of the point of application, it does positive work. An example is the work done by the gravitational force on a falling ball, where the force and displacement are in the same direction.

A force does negative work when it has a component opposite to the direction of the displacement at the point of application. An example is the work done by the gravitational force on a ball thrown upwards, where the force and displacement are in opposite directions.

<p>The work done by the gravitational force on a ball as it falls towards the ground is positive. This is because the force and displacement are in the same direction, resulting in positive work equal to the weight of the ball multiplied by the distance to the ground.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The work done by the gravitational force is negative when the force and displacement are in opposite directions, such as when a ball is thrown upwards. In this case, the work done by the gravitational force is negative and is equal to the weight of the ball multiplied by the displacement in the upwards direction.</p> Signup and view all the answers